The year in review

League

At the end of the 2015 season we had looked reasonably well set for 2016, but, as always, it wasn't quite as simple as that. Half the team's 2015 Home Runs had been hit by Tony and Michael and neither was available at the start of the league season, both out with long term injuries. Andy, Charlotte (baby), and Georgie (running club) retired and Luisa was only available in emergencies after the Sharks' promotion removed her means of getting to games. Helen then moved away to the Lake District half way through the season and at the same time working shifts began to limit JD's appearances.

Happily Dan (now old enough to play !) plus new recruits Steve G., Caroline and Louise joined the team over the close season and soon bedded in. Michael and Tony recovered in time to play the 2nd half of the season, (though Tony then picked up another, season ending, injury) and Jen and Alyssa joined during the season.

The changes in personnel meant we put in a few disjointed performances early in the year. We had an enjoyable time at Firstball, we didn't win any silverware but we did begin to bed our new players into the team. As the weeks passed we slowly improved in the league and came together as a team. Over the season we only lost 3 games, each by a single run, and deservedly won the 4th Division championship.

We played in two tournaments at the end of the season. Our own Red Rose tournament at Parrs Wood, where we narrowly lost the final to a star studded Rippers team, and Sefton where we put in some strong performances before losing narrowly in the plate semi final.

Everyone contributed to the team's success:

Alyssa looks a real prospect with both bat and glove. Annie hit and fielded well. Caroline was solid in the field and showed glimpses of the potential she has with the bat. Emma hit with power and led the batting averages throughout the season. Jen was excellent in the outfield. Sandra was even better than last season with bat and glove. TK showed real power at the plate, Queen of the triples, without ever quite getting that elusive Home Run. Louise got on base at an impressive rate. Helen was effective with bat and glove in the first half of the season and Luisa didn't let anyone down in the 2 games she did manage to get to.

The two Downes boys impressed with both bat and glove. Dave pitched well. Michael hit for power and was athletic in the field. Rob was solid in the outfield and hit well despite a mid-season wobble. Steve G improved steadily through the year and showed some power at the plate. Steve A was a revelation at 1st. Stewart also added a bit of batting power to his good eye. Tony hit for power and average when he was fit and came down to help out with the base coaching after his 2nd injury.